She is an actress, filmmaker, politician, dancer and activist. And her stint as brand ambassador for Malabar Gold and Diamonds has seen her visiting the emirate of Dubai quite often of late. Bollywood’s original dream girl may have become a mother-in-law of late.

But for most of her fans who grew up watching her hit movies like Seeta Aur Geeta, Sholay, Razia Sultan and Johny Mera Naam, her charm is still intact. On a visit to Dubai to launch Malabar Gold and Diamonds’ Diwali collection, the actress was only too happy to share her Diwali plans.

While most Bollywood actresses who jet into the city on work can be seen quietly making a beeline for the malls once their plane touches down in Dubai, in the case of Hema Malini also it was no different. The actress was spotted walking around Mercato Mall (which is celebrating its 10th anniversary) at Jumeriah on her brief visit to the emirate last week.

Dubai’s sobriquet as a shopper’s paradise of course needs no explanation. And Hema Malini candidly admits that whenever she stops over, she likes to shop for “everything from A to Z.” She recollected how in the earlier days when many things were not available in India, she would do her shopping from Dubai.

And with two grown-up daughters, she usually comes laden with their shopping requests as well. And anyhow they always end up borrowing her recent purchases. With Diwali around the corner, the veteran actress told us she prefers to wear Kanjivaram during festive occasions. The actress, who was wearing a bright red sari from Neeta Lulla during her visit to Dubai, also made a special mention of designers Shyamal & Bhumika.

Hema Malini also shared her early memories of celebrating the festival of lights in India with her family. What she remembers the most is celebrating Diwali and Holi in Chennai and Delhi. Later on when she moved to Mumabi she continued with the tradition.

Diwali this time around is extra special for her since she is celebrating it with her newly wed daughter Esha and son-in-law Bharat (pictured above). And while most people look forward to indulging in some sweet meat during Diwali, Hema Malini who is known for maintaining a healthy weight mentioned that she is not much of an eater so it is not going to be much different during the festival.